Chloe’s POV

The next morning, sunlight streamed through the curtains, warming my skin as I stretched lazily in bed. A satisfied smirk tugged at my lips as I reminisced about last night. The heat, the desperation—it was everything I needed and more. But pleasure wasn’t the only thing that kept my mind spinning.

I turned over, expecting to find him still beside me, but the sheets were cold and empty. Typical. He was never one for lingering, and honestly, I preferred it that way. Less attachment, fewer complications.

Reaching for my phone, I scrolled through my gallery until I found the subtle picture I’d taken in the heat of the moment last night—just his muscular arm wrapped possessively around my neck, his identity hidden. Perfect.

With a wicked grin, I forwarded the photo to Ava with a single caption: *He’s still mine.*

The message sent, and I tossed my phone onto the nightstand, reveling in the chaos I knew would follow. Ava didn’t deserve him, and if she thought for a second she’d won, she was sorely mistaken.

I rose, showered quickly, and dressed in a modest outfit that screamed innocence. I’d perfected the art of the facade—one moment a victim, the next a vixen. Today, I’d need both. I practiced my downtrodden expression in the mirror, then headed downstairs.

The smell of freshly brewed coffee and buttered toast filled the dining room, where Mrs. Miller sat at the table, flipping through her tablet. She looked up when I entered, her lips curving into a small, tight smile.

“Good morning, Chloe,” she greeted, her tone overly sweet.

“Good morning, Mrs. Miller,” I replied softly, my voice tinged with a calculated sadness. I let my shoulders droop slightly as I approached the table.

Her eyes narrowed as she studied me. “Still upset about Orion, I see.”

I hesitated, biting my lip as though holding back tears. “I don’t know what to do. It’s like Ava has some spell over him. He doesn’t even look at me the same way anymore.”

Mrs. Miller’s expression hardened, her eyes flashing with anger. “That girl is a parasite. She’s latched onto Orion for his wealth and status. I’ve seen it before—gold diggers like her always have a plan.”

I lowered my gaze, playing the part of the wounded lover perfectly. “I just want things to go back to how they were. I’ve tried everything, but she won’t leave us alone.”

Mrs. Miller slammed her tablet down, making me flinch. “Don’t you worry, Chloe. I’ll make this house unbearable for her. That little tramp won’t know what hit her.”

Feigning surprise, I blinked at her. “You’d do that? For me?”

“For all of us,” she corrected, a smug smile curling her lips. “Orion needs to see reason, and Ava needs to understand she’s out of her depth.”

I tilted my head, curiosity piqued. “What are you planning?”

Her smile turned wicked as she leaned in, her voice lowering conspiratorially. “Oh, just a few things. I’ll make sure her meals are ‘accidentally’ ruined, her laundry misplaced, and their room plagued with little ‘surprises.’ But that’s just the beginning.”

“What else?” I asked, my voice barely above a whisper.

Mrs. Miller’s eyes gleamed. “I have connections, Chloe. People who can dig into her past, find her weaknesses. If she has skeletons in her closet, I’ll drag them out into the light. And if she doesn’t…” She paused, her smile sharpening. “I’ll make some up.”

I let out a shaky breath, feigning apprehension. “That sounds… intense.”

Mrs. Miller waved a hand dismissively. “It’s what needs to be done. Orion will thank us later. Trust me, dear, Ava won’t last a week in this mansion.”

Her words sent a thrill through me, but I kept my face neutral, nodding as though reluctantly agreeing. “Thank you, Mrs. Miller. You don’t know how much this means to me.”

“Oh, Chloe,” she said with a reassuring pat on my hand. “We classy women have to stick together.”

I forced a small smile, but as I left the dining room, my mind was already racing. Mrs. Miller’s plans were amusing, but they lacked the finesse and impact I desired. My schemes were far more calculated, far-reaching, and—if executed correctly—devastating.

---

Back in my room, I closed the door and retrieved my phone. Dialing a number I hadn’t used in years, I waited as the line connected.

A gruff voice answered. “Chloe.”

“Any updates?” I asked, my tone firm and unwavering.

“Like right now?”

I hesitated, trying to keep my frustration at bay. “Ava’s sister, Holly, needs to disappear for good as soon as possible. Why are you asking me that? Have you surveyed the hospital yet?”

The silence on the other end was chilling, followed by a low chuckle. “You’re as cold as ever, Chloe. This is a piece of cake. Consider it done.”

I ended the call and dialed another number, my heart pounding with anticipation and frustration. I just hope Edward doesn’t mess this up. But even if he does, I have a backup plan.

“Did you do it?” I asked and got a reply that had me smiling from ear to ear.

Everything was falling into place. Ava’s world would crumble, piece by piece, until she had nothing left. And Orion… Orion would see that I was the only one who truly belonged by his side.

But before I could revel in my plans, there was a knock at the door.

“Chloe?”

My blood ran cold at the voice.

Orion.

My heart leapt into my throat as I straightened my dress and composed my expression. I opened the door, and there he stood, his face unreadable, his eyes dark and piercing.

“We need to talk,” he said, his voice low and filled with tension.

I stepped aside, letting him in. As he crossed the threshold, I couldn’t shake the feeling that something had shifted.

“What’s this about?” I asked innocently, closing the door behind him.

He turned to face me, his jaw clenched. “I know what you’ve been doing, Chloe.”

My breath hitched, but I forced a smile. “I don’t know what you mean.”

His gaze burned into mine, unyielding. “Don’t play games with me. I’m not as blind as you think.”

Panic bubbled beneath my calm exterior, but I refused to let it show. I tilted my head, feigning confusion. “Orion, what are you talking about?”

His next words sent ice coursing through my veins.

“I know about the phone call.”